Summer Courses FAQ

FAQ

General Information

What are the dates of the Museum's summer courses?

The Museum's summer session starts the week of July 6 and continues through August 14. Courses run Monday through Friday.

What are the fees and schedule?

Fees (per week)

Full Day: $600

Half Day: $300

Early-Morning Drop-Off: $25
(8:00 – 8:45 am)

Late Stay: $40
(4:00 – 6:00 pm)

Schedule

Courses begin on the Monday of each week, July 6 – August 14. Each course is five days in length.

Mornings: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
(8:45 am drop-off)

Afternoons: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
(12:45 pm drop-off)

Full Day: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
(8:30 am drop-off)

Either combine a morning session with an afternoon session, or choose a day-long course.

How do I know which courses are right for my child?

There are grade guidelines set for each course. The Museum has designed the courses around academic ability, social development, and dexterity. Grades listed for summer programs should match the grade the child will enter next fall.

Can my child miss a day or two during the course?

We recommend against this. Curriculum is planned for the full five-day range. If your summer plans do not permit your child to participate in the full length of the program, he/she is unlikely to have the positive learning experience that he/she expects.

I would like to see how my child is doing in their course. Is that possible?

You are always welcome to accompany your child to their classroom and stay for 5 – 10 minutes to make sure he/she has settled in.

We invite all parents to visit classrooms for the last 30 minutes of class on the Friday of each week. Details will be sent home at the start of each course.

I have a question that is not listed; how can I find out more?

Please contact Science Central at 617-723-2500.

Drop-Off, Pickup, Snack, and Lunch

Is lunch provided for those students in full-day programs or two half-day programs?

Lunches are not provided. Students are not allowed to leave the program area to purchase food in the cafe. For students staying the whole day, lunch must be brought from home. Students will not have access to a refrigerator or microwave.

Is a snack provided?

Snack are not provided. Please pack two snacks for each full-day course and one snack for each half-day course.

Will my child be supervised during lunchtime? What will he/she do during lunchtime? Where do they eat lunch?

Courses staff supervise those students staying the whole day during the one-hour lunchtime held in the pavilion area behind the Museum. Your child will never be left unattended at any time. After eating, students may join in board games, simple crafts, or other non-competitive sports activities.

Is it possible to drop my child off before the start of a course? Is it possible to pick my child up later than the course ending time?

The Museum has an early morning drop-off and late-stay option available for an extra fee. Early drop-off is 8:00 – 8:45 am and costs $25 / week. Late stay is 4:00 – 6:00 pm and costs $40 / week. You will receive a packet with specific pickup and drop-off procedures before your course begins.

Cost and Registration

How much do the courses cost?

The week-long summer classes cost $300 per week for a half day. A full day costs $600.

What is included in the cost of each course?

Each course fee includes all course materials and instruction. It does not include lunch or snack.

I am a member of the Museum; do I receive a discount on a course?

There are no discounts for members; however, course registration is open in advance to members.

How do I enroll in a course?

Visit our course catalog and online registration. You can also call Science Central at 617-723-2500 and we can help you with enrollment over the phone. Unfortunately, we cannot process enrollments in person at the Museum.

How will I know if I have successfully enrolled in a course?

The Museum will send you an email confirmation about your course. Please call Science Central if you do not receive a confirmation.

Is it possible to sign up for a course and pay later?

Unfortunately, no. We currently accept only credit card payments for courses (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).

Something has come up and I need to cancel my course enrollment. Will I receive a refund?

If you call the Museum about the cancellation before May 15, you will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee for a full-day course, $10 for a half-day course. After that date, we are unable to process any refunds.

The class my child wants is full; is there a waiting list?

Unfortunately we do not keep a waiting list for sold out courses. Spaces that do open up will be for sale on the website so please continue to check back regularly.

Will I receive any additional information before the start of the program?

Yes. Additional information about arrival, departure, and forms that require your signature will be emailed in May. Participant waivers are due back to the museum in late June.

Are courses fees tax-deductible?

Safety and Special Needs

My child has special needs. Can he/she still participate in a course at the Museum?

Absolutely. The courses program welcomes special needs students. Please make a note on your child's application so that we can ensure the best possible experience for your child. We are also available to discuss particular questions or concerns you may have to help determine if our program is the right fit for your child.

My child has a peanut allergy. Are Summer Courses peanut-free?

The Museum of Science is a public institution and we are therefore not able to guarantee a nut-free environment. Many children with food allergies do attend the program. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us, and be sure to indicate any allergies on your child’s participant waiver.

How do I know my child is safe during a course?

Your child's safety is the number one priority at the Museum. Courses staff as well as instructors are present at drop-off and pickup and during classes. Courses staff are also present at lunchtime for those who are enrolled in morning and afternoon sessions. Your child will never be left unattended at any time.